Chimney Repair & Rebuilding Services
Professional chimney repair and rebuilding services that keep your home safe and your fireplace working perfectly.
Your chimney does more than just let smoke out. It protects your home from fire hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, and water damage. When your chimney is damaged or deteriorating, you are putting your family and property at risk. Cracks, leaning structures, missing mortar, and damaged crowns are not small problems. They need immediate attention from someone who knows what they are doing.
At ML Mobile Masonry, we specialize in chimney repair and rebuilding for homes throughout Mobile, AL. Whether you need a simple mortar repair or a complete chimney rebuild, we have the experience and skills to get the job done right. We understand how Mobile's weather affects chimneys, and we use high-quality materials and proven techniques to ensure your chimney lasts for decades.
A damaged chimney is not something you can ignore. Water gets in through cracks and damaged flashing, causing rot, mold, and structural damage. A leaning chimney can collapse. A blocked flue can send dangerous gases back into your home. If you have noticed problems with your chimney, now is the time to act. We offer free inspections so you can understand exactly what is wrong and what it will take to fix it.
Common Chimney Problems We Repair in Mobile, AL
Chimneys face constant exposure to the elements. Rain, wind, heat, and cold all take their toll. Here are the most common chimney problems we see and how we fix them.
Cracked or Damaged Chimney Crowns
The chimney crown is the concrete or mortar cap at the top of your chimney. It is your first line of defense against water. When the crown cracks, water seeps in and damages the bricks, mortar, and flue liner below. In Mobile, where we get plenty of rain, a damaged crown can lead to serious problems fast.
We rebuild damaged crowns using high-quality materials that are designed to withstand our climate. We make sure the crown has proper slope and overhang so water runs off instead of pooling. A properly built crown can protect your chimney for 20 years or more.
Leaning or Tilting Chimneys
A leaning chimney is a structural emergency. It usually means the foundation has settled or eroded, and the chimney is no longer stable. If you see your chimney leaning away from your house, call us immediately. A leaning chimney can collapse and cause serious damage or injury.
We assess the foundation and determine whether we can stabilize the chimney or if it needs to be torn down and rebuilt. In many cases, we can save the chimney by reinforcing the foundation and rebuilding the damaged sections. Safety always comes first, and we will give you an honest assessment of what needs to be done.
Spalling Bricks and Deteriorating Mortar
Spalling happens when water gets inside the bricks and causes them to flake and crumble. You might see pieces of brick on the ground around your chimney or notice that the surface looks rough and pitted. Deteriorating mortar is another common problem. Old mortar can crack and fall out, leaving gaps where water and pests can get in.
We remove damaged bricks and repoint the mortar joints to restore the chimney's integrity. If the damage is extensive, we may recommend rebuilding the affected section. Either way, we make sure your chimney is structurally sound and protected from further damage.
Damaged Flashing
Flashing is the metal seal between your chimney and your roof. It keeps water from getting into your attic and walls. When flashing is damaged, rusted, or improperly installed, water leaks in and causes rot, mold, and ceiling stains. Many homeowners do not realize their chimney leak is actually a flashing problem.
We replace damaged flashing with high-quality materials and install it correctly so it lasts. Proper flashing installation is critical, and we take the time to do it right. No shortcuts, no leaks.
Why Mobile Homeowners Choose Us for Chimney Work
Chimney work is specialized. It requires knowledge of masonry, building codes, safety standards, and how chimneys function. Not every contractor has that expertise. Here is why homeowners throughout Mobile trust us with their chimneys.
- •Safety First: We understand the life-safety aspects of chimney work. We check for carbon monoxide risks, fire hazards, and structural issues. Your family's safety is always our top priority.
- •Expert Inspections: We do not just look at the outside of your chimney. We inspect the flue, liner, crown, flashing, and foundation. We identify hidden problems before they become emergencies.
- •High-Quality Materials: We use premium bricks, mortar, and flashing materials that are designed to last. Cheap materials might save money upfront, but they cost more in the long run when they fail.
- •Code Compliance: We know the local building codes and make sure all our work meets or exceeds them. This protects you and ensures your chimney is safe and legal.
- •Full-Service Masonry: If you need other masonry work like brick repair or retaining wall installation, we can handle that too. One contractor for all your needs.
We treat every chimney like it is our own. We take pride in our craftsmanship, and we stand behind our work. When we are done, your chimney will be safe, functional, and built to last.
Our Chimney Repair and Rebuilding Process
We follow a systematic approach to every chimney project. Here is what you can expect when you work with us.
Step 1: Comprehensive Chimney Inspection
We start with a thorough inspection of your entire chimney system. We look at the exterior bricks, the crown, the flashing, and the flue. We check for cracks, leaning, spalling, and water damage. We also look inside the chimney to inspect the liner and check for blockages or creosote buildup.
After the inspection, we give you a detailed report of what we found. We explain what is wrong, why it happened, and what needs to be done to fix it. You will understand exactly what is going on with your chimney.
Step 2: Clear Estimate and Repair Plan
We provide a detailed estimate that breaks down the materials, labor, and timeline. We answer all your questions and explain your options. If you need a full rebuild, we will explain why. If a repair will work, we will tell you that too. We never push you into work you do not need.
Step 3: Professional Repair or Rebuild
Once you approve the plan, we get to work. For repairs, we remove damaged sections, repoint mortar, replace bricks, and rebuild the crown or flashing as needed. For rebuilds, we carefully dismantle the old chimney, prepare the foundation, and build a new chimney from the ground up. We use high-quality materials and proven masonry techniques to ensure the work lasts.
Throughout the project, we keep the work area safe and clean. We protect your roof and property, and we haul away all debris when we are done.
Step 4: Final Inspection and Peace of Mind
When the work is complete, we do a final walkthrough with you. We make sure you understand what we did and answer any remaining questions. We also provide maintenance tips to help you keep your chimney in great shape. Your satisfaction is our goal, and we do not consider the job done until you are happy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimney Repair
How do I know if my chimney needs to be rebuilt or just repaired?
It depends on the extent of the damage. Minor cracks, spalling, and mortar deterioration can usually be repaired. If your chimney is leaning, has extensive structural damage, or has a failing foundation, a rebuild is often the safer and more cost-effective option. During our inspection, we will assess the damage and give you an honest recommendation. We will never push you into a rebuild if a repair will do the job.
How much does chimney repair cost in Mobile, AL?
The cost of chimney repair varies depending on what needs to be done. Small repairs, like repointing or replacing a few bricks, can cost a few hundred dollars. Rebuilding a chimney crown might cost a thousand or more. A full chimney rebuild can run several thousand dollars depending on the height and complexity. We provide free estimates so you know the cost upfront before any work begins.
Can I use my fireplace while the chimney is being repaired?
In most cases, no. If we are working on the flue, crown, or interior of the chimney, you should not use your fireplace until the work is complete and the materials have cured. Using the fireplace during repairs can create safety hazards and damage the fresh work. We will let you know when it is safe to use your fireplace again. Most repairs are completed quickly, so you will not be without your fireplace for long.
Need Chimney Repair or Rebuilding?
Get a free inspection and estimate from Mobile's trusted chimney experts.
Schedule Your Free InspectionOr call us at (251) 481-6274